Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Graci update

I'm writing this as a way to respond to the many sweet texts (to Jeremy's phone-- mine is lost--ugh-- so if you're texting me, I'm not getting it--sorry) and messages of concern about Graci. I figured this would be the easiest way to let you all know what's going on.

At about 2:40 today I received a phone call from Graci's school telling me that Graci was having a seizure and to come immediately. I was, of course, terrified. With all of Graci's health problems, she has never had a seizure in our care. (Her health report from China said that she possibly had a seizure when she was 5 or 6.) Sophi's friend, Jordan, was over to play, so I threw them both in the van, sped to the Jordan's home, and basically threw the two girls at Jordan's mom. (Thank you, Sharlie! I am so glad that I knew I could do that without so much as asking if it was ok.) When I arrived at the school a few minutes later, there were already firetrucks and an ambulance outside. I jumped out of the van and went running for the doors. School had just let out, and apparently word spreads fast because students were yelling at me, "She's in the gym!"

When I arrived, she was lying on the floor surrounded by teachers and paramedics. She was talking a little bit and responsive, which was so relieving. I sat next to her and comforted her and answered questions for the paramedics. Jeremy came a few minutes later, and soon after he arrived, she had another seizure.

For those of you who have ever had to watch your child have a seizure, I am so, so sorry. It was awful and frankly, the most terrifying thing I've experienced. She wasn't breathing well during the seizure and the paramedics had so give her some medication through her nose to help her. Hearing her finally gasp and take a deep breath was the most beautiful sound, but she continued to cough and struggle to breathe easily after that. As soon as she stopped seizing, they strapped her to a stretcher and hurried her out to the ambulance. They allowed Jeremy 15 seconds to give her a blessing inside the ambulance before taking off. I was allowed to ride in front and watch her through a camera while Jeremy drove. It was the longest 40 minute drive I've ever been on! I won't share all the thoughts that went through my mind, but I will say that there is nothing like this to help you put life and challenges in perspective and to help you realize how you always want to be treating your children.

Because I am quite wiped out at this point, I will skip to what you really want to hear: Graci is home. They don't know what caused the seizures. She had an EKG and it was normal (for her.) There is no sign of infection or a stroke. Cardiologists are doubting that it is related to her heart. So... the next step is to get some neurological testing done. Tomorrow we will be getting an appointment for an EEG which will hopefully give us some more information. For now, we were given the instructions that if she has another seizure to call 911, but to otherwise let her rest and wait and see what neurology says. So there you go.

Thank you to the wonderful friends who helped with kids and dinner-- we are so thankful. I loved knowing that I didn't need to worry about what was going on at home. I'm so grateful to have so many angels in my life.

I'm sure I don't need to ask-- but would you please keep Graci in your prayers this week?

You've got our prayers! Our Michael had this same thing happen last year. It IS frightening!!!! After all the testing was done they told us he has a common seizure disorder that he'll out grow by the time he's 14 or 15. I sure hope Graci's is as "routine" and "uninteresting" as our doc made Michael's sound! God bless you all!

Definitely praying for you guys! My brother has epilepsy and his seizures as a child was horrifying. Luckily he hasn't had one since about 14 or 15. Like KTLgirl said, I hope it turns out to be something very uninteresting!

Prayers guys - and just in case it wasn't said - a seizure is the most physically exhausting thing a person can undergo - think of it as a total body cardio level workout. Expect her to feel weak as a kitten, maybe for a couple days - that would be physially normal. It's also extremely embarrasing for folks - who knows why...

I myself have had 5 of the big ''grand mal'' seizures. (I know they don't call them that anymore) and so very many mini seizures in my life. Let me just say, from personal experience to just let Graci rest. Let her sleep as much as she feels she needs to. I always took a day or too off of school after a big seizure they are so exhausting. One of the memories that I have of a time after I had a seizure and couldn't eat because my head hurt so bad and my headache wouldn't go away was just having my mom sit next to me and run her fingers through my hair until I fell asleep. With 7 other kids for her to take care of she, took the time to sit next to me and help me be comfortable and let me sleep. That...and Popsicles. I got to eat Popsicles because I couldn't eat anything and the cool sweet flavor was so refreshing to me. I hope that they can determine why she had these seizures and figure out what they can do to help her. Don't be afraid to ask about food allergies, or seasonal allergies...or puberty related things. They DO sometimes contribute to seizures, especially if she hasn't had a seizure in a long time. Prayers and thoughts in your direction.

OH, I'm so sorry you've had to go through this. My oldest daughter had 5 seizures - the first at 15 months, and they were the scariest thing I have ever gone through. I'm in tears here for you, as I will never, ever forget how scared I was when I looked in the rear-view mirror and saw her in a seizure. I didn't know what it was and I thought she was going to die. I found out that her's were febrile and when they told me not to worry, that she would outgrow them by the time she's 4 or 5 it felt like that was a lifetime away. To this day I can't drive by that spot without reliving that nightmare. Graci and your family are in my prayers.

When we fell in love 20 years ago, we started down a path that has been challenging, exhausting, and breathtakingly beautiful. Here we chronicle the blessings and stressings of parenting some pretty amazing children. We think they're the perfect travel companions as we look forward to the next fork in the road. Welcome to our journey.

Jeremy and Christianne

Taylor Jeremy--18

Parker Matthew--17

The red-headed social butterfly, he's our all-star athlete, top student, outdoor-loving, spunky second-born, with a heart of pure gold!

Jessica Anne "Jesi"--14

Our little princess with the big smile, Jesi loves fashion, friends, hanging with her siblings, and vacations. She sparkles!

Jacob Michael-- 6/8/2004

Little one of heavenly birth, born too soon to bloom on earth. You have taught us so much--we love you, Jacob!

Emily Anne "Emmy"--9/28/2005

Emily's exquisite little hands and feet have left their mark in this world. Her body was tiny, but her spirit enormous. We miss her!

Elizabeth Mei "Elli"--13

Elli's world may be dark, but she's the light of our lives! Lover of music, chocolate, and new toys, she fights a courageous battle with autism while bringing joy to all who know her!!

Gracelin Kate "Graci"--19

Showing true grace throughout her battles with heart disease and pulmonary hypertension, our Gracester is loved by everyone! She's smart, gorgeous, friendly, and has faith to move mountains!

Alexander Philip "Xander"--12

With a spunk and smile that could outmatch anyone's, our Xander has not let Cloves Syndrome get the best of him. He's a talented chef, a caring friend to MANY, our best helper, and is full of teenage humor.

Alexis Li "Lexi"--13

Meet the friendliest girl on the planet! Blind from birth, Lexi amazes all of us with her braille skills, determination, talents, but mosly by the way she spends her days SMILING. She is an angel in every way. We are thrilled to have our darling daughter home six years from China!!

Sophia Breanne "Sophi"--9

Her eyes called out to us from half-way around the world. Little Sophi is growing up and we would do anything to freeze her in time! She's beautiful, smart, and coy and can do amazing things with her toes! She has inspired people all around the world and we can't believe she is ours. Sophi = perfection.

Calais Rose "Cali"--17

Charming Cali joined our family in December of 2012. This girl is beautiful both inside and out. Born with spina bifida, Cali is confined to a wheelchair, but that does not keep her from enjoying life to the fullest. She is smart, opinionated, strong, and lovely in every way. She is a light in our family and a magnet for handsome young men!

Conner Allen-- 17

Meet our newest addition! Home three years from China, Conner makes us wonder what we ever did without him. Blind from birth, he will blow you away with his incredible talent on the piano. He is sweet, witty, girl-crazy, kind and finally, OURS! We love you, Conner!

The Dog

Baxter-- 6 months

She begged and pleaded and wrote letter after letter telling us why she NEEDED a dog, and Sophi finally got her wish! Meet Baxter, the cutest mini-audssiedoodle on the planet.